Google TV gets a boost: new Google TV Streamer and hidden features that change the way you watch series and movies

Android Guides » General » Google TV gets a boost: new Google TV Streamer and hidden features that change the way you watch series and movies

The ecosystem of Google TV is undergoing a phase change Pretty clear. On the one hand, Google has decided to cut its losses with the Chromecast brand and launch a new device, the Google TV StreamerWith this, they aim to go beyond the typical HDMI dongle. On the other hand, the Google TV platform itself is gaining less flashy but very useful features, such as shared watchlists across apps and deeper integration with the smart home.

The result is that, if you have a TV with Android TV or Google TVOr are you thinking of buying an external player for your living room in Spain or Europe? Right now there are More reasons than ever to pay attention to Google TVNot only because of the new hardware, but because of everything you can do with this layer: from better organizing what you want to watch to using VPNs, IPTV, or even streaming games without too much hassle.

Goodbye Chromecast, hello Google TV Streamer

After more than a decade using the name chromecastGoogle has decided to permanently retire that brand of HDMI devicesThe small dongles that used to hide behind the TV and focused almost exclusively on sending content from your mobile phone are giving way to a different device: the new Google TV Streamer.

The approach changes quite clearly. Instead of an HDMI dongle dangling from the TV's port, the Google TV Streamer adopts a set-top box formatIn other words, it's a small box that sits on a piece of furniture or a shelf, more similar to what other TV box manufacturers offer than to the classic Chromecast. This allows Google to assemble somewhat more capable hardware and give it a more prominent role in the living room.

In terms of design, the device opts for a very minimalist look. It's a kind of ellipsoid resting on a flat, angled base. with a porcelain white finish It fits in with the aesthetic of the rest of Google's home products. The drawback is obvious: you can no longer hide it so easily behind the television, unless you find a space or improvise a small shelf.

On the back we find three basic but well-chosen connections: USB-C for power and expansion, gigabit Ethernet port For those who prefer to forgo Wi-Fi and use an HDMI 2.1 cable to connect to the TV. However, the HDMI cable is not included in the box, a detail that, given the price these types of devices usually command, many users might miss.

A command that's almost a continuation of the previous one, but with a catch.

The Google TV Streamer remote control maintains the design of Chromecasts with Google TV, but introduces small changes that affect daily use. The most obvious is that now The volume control is separated into a specific sidebar.leaving the top dial for navigating the interface. The home button has been relocated to where the Google Assistant shortcut used to be.

The most striking new feature is a button that, although discreet, is very practical: a customizable access point marked with a starFrom the Google TV settings, you can assign this button to open a specific app, change the HDMI input, or access the Google Home dashboard where you manage smart devices. It's a shortcut that saves several steps and adapts quite well to your preferred usage.

Another detail that doesn't go unnoticed is the function to find the lost remote. It's located on the Google TV Streamer itself. a small button that, when held down, makes the remote control ringConsidering how often the remote control ends up among cushions or under the sofa, it's not exactly a trivial matter.

This function is not limited to the physical button on the device. If the Google TV Streamer is linked to Google Home, it can also be used. activate the controller sound from your mobile phone or even by asking Google Assistant where it is. The beep stops when you press any button on the remote, so it serves both to locate it and to confirm that you've found it.

During the initial setup, the controller itself may connect to the TV via HDMI-CECAllowing raise and lower the volume of the television or turn it on and off From the Google TV Streamer remote control itself. In the settings, you can choose whether the power button only suspends the player or also turns off the screen.

Google TV Streamer as the hub of the smart home

Beyond playing series and movies, Google wants its new device to be a key component of the smart homeThat's why the Google TV Streamer comes with native compatibility for Matter and the ability to function as a border router for Thread, two standards that are destined to greatly simplify the current chaos of the Internet of Things.

Thanks to Matter, installation in the Google Home ecosystem becomes more straightforward: during the initial process, the TV displays a QR code that is scanned with a mobile phone To integrate the device into the smart home, share account information, and enable it to communicate with other devices. The idea is that light bulbs, plugs, sensors, and other compatible devices can communicate more easily, regardless of the manufacturer.

Thread, for its part, is a wireless protocol that works with very low power consumption and low latencycreating a mesh network between smart devices. Many of them can continue communicating with each other without the Wi-Fi network needing to handle everything, which also reduces the traffic passing through your home router. The Google TV Streamer serves as a key node in this network, ensuring a more stable ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the latest update to the Google TV interface itself reinforces its role as a home hub. From the main screen, and by holding down the Home button on the remote, You can access a dashboard with all the devices linked to Google HomeFrom there you can turn on lights, adjust a thermostat, check sensors, or interact with other connected devices, without changing applications.

It's true that Matter hasn't yet had a perfect launch and that many devices are slow to update to these standards, but Google's commitment is clear: the streamer doesn't want to be just a player, but the control center of the hallboth in terms of entertainment and home automation.

Google TV software revamped and ready for more AI

The software has also been updated. The interface of Google TV It maintains its usual approach, with a design that prioritizes recommendations and content Beyond a simple list of applications, it has a facelift that makes it even cleaner and more pleasant to use on a large screen.

Compared to other Smart TV systems, the general feeling is that Google TV offers a more polished experience in terms of fluidity, transitions, and organizationNow, in addition to the entertainment aspect, smart home management is more visibly integrated, bringing the experience much closer to that of a central panel for everything that happens at home.

On paper, the next step is the Gemini integrationGoogle's AI-powered assistant is now integrated into the Google TV interface. The company intends for it to not only respond to voice searches but also help refine recommendations, suggest content based on context, and even generate custom wallpapers with AI-generated images.

In Spain This integration is not yet active.So, for now, It cannot be proven firsthandGoogle's roadmap is to gradually activate these features in different markets and models. In any case, it's a clear indication of where things might be headed: fewer static lists and rows, and more of an interface that adapts to each user's habits.

While we await the more advanced AI features, what is already operational are Small, practical additions like the customization button The remote control, the option to find it when it's lost, and above all, a feature that many have in front of them and haven't used: the Google TV watchlist.

More power: memory, processor, and game streaming

On a technical level, the Google TV Streamer represents a clear leap forward from Chromecast with Google TV, although not as radical as some had hoped. The new device includes 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, twice the memory and four times more storage than the Chromecast with Google TV 4K. In practice, this translates to a much smoother interface and the ability to install more apps without constantly deleting them.

The processor also changes manufacturer. Google is abandoning the Amlogic S905X3 chip and switching to a MediaTek SoC, the MT8696It uses the same processor as the second-generation Amazon Fire TV 4K Max. According to the company, performance is improved by about 22% compared to the previous generation. Navigating menus, switching apps, or keeping videos playing in the background while opening the main panel is seamless.

Even so, some may consider that, for the launch price of this type of device, Google had room to go a little furtherThe combination of 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage is adequate, but not spectacular if you consider intensive use with many applications, games, and local data.

In any case, the USB-C port allows you to easily add an external hard drive or USB flash drive. expand storage capacityIt's not the most convenient alternative to a factory-installed increase in internal memory, but at least it provides an option for those who want to get more out of it than just basic streaming.

Where the difference really shines is in more demanding tasks, such as streaming games. In tests with apps like Moonlight, the Google TV Streamer is capable of manage 4K and 60fps sessions with a bandwidth of about 50 MbpsProvided both the device and the PC are connected via Ethernet to a stable router, demanding titles can be enjoyed quite comfortably in the living room.

It also works well with cloud gaming services like GeForce Now or Amazon Luna. Here, inevitably, Connection quality and distance to servers come into playThis means that slight input lag and image artifacts are more noticeable. Even so, the experience is perfectly usable for many types of games as long as the user has a good internet connection.

In terms of emulation, the device handles classic platforms like PlayStation, SNES or Game Boy Advance through RetroarchPlaying original PlayStation titles natively on the Google TV Streamer is perfectly feasible, taking advantage of Bluetooth 5.1 controller compatibility to control the games and, incidentally, manage the system interface.

Video and audio playback: unchanged, but solid

If you're only interested in watching movies and TV shows, the upgrade from Chromecast with Google TV 4K is less obvious. The new device again offers 4K UHD playback at 60 frames per second and compatibility with the main high dynamic range formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG.

In terms of sound, things follow a similar line: support for Dolby Atmos To enjoy virtualized surround sound, especially when connected to a compatible soundbar or receiver. In terms of the audiovisual experience, Google hasn't introduced any major innovations, but rather maintains a fairly comprehensive level for most users.

It also includes options for adjust the TV's refresh rate to the contentreducing frame jumps or stuttering in some scenes. This was already present in the previous generation and remains important for those sensitive to these minor flaws.

Where some conservatism is noticeable is in wireless connectivity. Despite including gigabit Ethernet for those who want a wired connection, the WiFi chip is limited. 802.11ac (2,4 GHz/5 GHz), no WiFi 6 supportIt's not a major issue for most home internet connections in Spain or Europe, but a step forward in this area was to be expected in a new device.

Watchlist: The Google TV feature many ignore

Beyond the hardware, one of the changes that can most improve the daily experience with Google TV is something as simple as a unified checklistIt's not a new feature, but it still goes largely unnoticed because it's relatively hidden among menus, recommendations, covers, and banners.

The idea is simple: instead of relying on each app's internal lists (Netflix's, Prime Video's, Disney+'s…), Google TV allows Save movies and TV shows in a single list associated with your Google account.It doesn't matter what platform they're on. It's like having a digital "things I want to watch" list directly integrated into the TV.

This feature fits particularly well with the current way of discovering content: a recommendation via WhatsApp, a video on TikTok, a comment at a dinner partyIt's common to say "I have to watch this" and then forget about the title a few days later. With a watchlist, content is saved instantly and then appears in an organized way when you sit down to watch TV.

To add a title directly from Google TV, simply use the search function or the microphone button on the remote, find the movie or series, and within its details page, press the button labeled as “My list” or “Add to watchlist”Depending on the language and model. There's no need to open the corresponding streaming app or switch between services.

Once saved, the content appears in the library section or the watchlist area. depending on how the interface of each TV or device is organizedThere you can review everything pending without having to start each search from scratch. Each manufacturer introduces nuances in the menu layout, but the logic of the list remains the same.

How to use the watchlist from your mobile phone or browser

The watchlist isn't limited to the living room TV. Because it's linked to your Google account, you can... fill out and check from other deviceswhich makes it even more useful in everyday life.

With the Google TV app on your phone, the process is just as simple: search for the movie or series, open its page, and tap the same "My List" button. As long as your phone is using the same Google account as the device with Google TVThe changes sync almost instantly. We usually discover new things on our phones, so being able to save them on the fly makes a big difference.

You can also do this from any web browser. When you search for a title on Google, a panel often appears with information about where to watch the movie or series. From there, in many cases, you can bookmark it. "I want to see" or add to watchlistAgain, everything is linked to the same account and appears on TV without having to do anything extra.

One very practical use is to save things without thinking too much: whatever catches your eye goes on the list. Then, when it's time to watch something, instead of starting the usual tour through five different appsSimply open the list and choose from what you've previously selected. It's an easy way to regain control of what you see, instead of relying on the recommendations each platform tries to push.

VPN and Google TV: access to more content and a bit more privacy

Another feature that's becoming common on TVs with Android TV or Google TV is the use of a VPN. Many users who already use it on their mobile phones have made the switch to Install a VPN on your TV or Google TV devicenot only to add a layer of privacy, but also to circumvent some geographical restrictions on streaming services.

In general, the installation process is quite straightforward. They can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. VPN apps of all kinds: free and paidWith varying numbers of servers, some services focus on speed while others prioritize additional security features. In a setting like your living room TV, opting for a reasonably priced paid service usually makes more sense, especially if you plan to use it frequently.

The most obvious use is access to streaming catalogs from other countries. Many platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Max, or Crunchyroll They offer different content depending on the region.So, connecting your VPN to a server in another country can open the door to TV shows and movies that aren't available in the Spanish version. It doesn't always work (some services detect and block VPN use), but when it does, it significantly expands the selection.

Another interesting point, especially for travelers, is that A Google TV device or a Chromecast with Google TV can be packed in your suitcase for use in hotels or second homes. In those cases, the connection is usually a public WiFi network, where a VPN helps reduce risks by encrypting traffic and preventing other users on the same network from snooping on what you're doing.

In parallel, a VPN also serves to It will be more difficult for online advertising and services to pinpoint your exact location and habits.It's not a magic solution for privacy, but it is an additional step that, combined with careful configuration of the rest of your accounts, can mean that your TV has less detailed information about you than other devices.

IPTV and players: how to watch more channels on Google TV

Those who want to take their Smart TV with Android TV or Google TV a step further often turn to another widespread option: IPTV lists. This system allows Watch streaming channels through playlists in formats such as .m3u, .m3u8 or w3uprovided that applications capable of reading and reproducing that content are used.

The key here is to distinguish between lists and apps. On the app side, in the Google Play Store there are very popular and totally legal options, conceived as simple players that decode the lists provided by the user.

Among the best known are TiviMate, highly regarded for its ease of use and advanced customization options; Purple Mobile IPTV Player, with a well-designed interface reminiscent of a streaming platform and compatibility with different types of devices; or IPTV Pro, which offers a paid version with support for M3U and XSPF lists and various options to adjust how you watch the channels.

General-purpose media players such as Wiseplay, Kodi or even VLCIn these cases, the great advantage is that they support a huge variety of video and audio formats, as well as allowing you to add IPTV lists to watch free-to-air channels, streaming content, and even, in the case of Kodi, combine it with other add-ons to record broadcasts.

As for the lists themselves, many of those found online group Free channels of different types: national, thematic, musical, etc. Using these lists is legal when it comes to free-to-air content. However, lists that distribute pay-TV channel signals without authorization are clearly illegal, something that should be kept in mind.

For the average user with a TV or Google TV device in Spain, IPTV lists can be a simple way to access additional free channels or DTT via the internet When the antenna isn't working properly, always use official apps from the Google Play Store and legitimate lists.

Taken together, between the new Google TV Streamer, features like the watchlist, VPN support, and IPTV apps, the Google TV ecosystem has become much more than just a menu of applications: It has transformed into a fairly complete entertainment and control centerwhere you can comfortably coexist with streaming services, live channels, games, smart devices and tools designed to make the most of every moment in front of the TV.